About the show

Backed by a kinetic eight-piece rhythm and brass band, traditional favorites like 'O Come All Ye Faithful' and 'O Holy Night' provide heart as they come to life side-by-side with radio favorites such as 'All I Want for Christmas is You,' and 'Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home).' 'Home for the Holidays' will star Candice Glover, winner 'American Idol' Season 12, Josh Kaufman, winner of 'The Voice' Season 6, and Bianca Ryan, winner: 'America’s Got Talent” Season 1.' It will be hosted by Kaitlyn Bristowe, star of 'The Bachelorette' Season 11, and feature special appearance by Oscar-nominated stage and screen star Danny Aiello and YouTube sensations Peter Hollens and Evynne Hollens.

This offer cannot be combined with any other discount and is not applicable to previously purchased tickets. Limit 8 tickets per order. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. Offer subject to availability. A facility fee as well as normal phone and internet service charges may apply. Not all seats are discounted. Cast and schedule subject to change. Blackout dates may apply. Offer may be modified or revoked at any time without notice.

“A limp revue of carols and Yule-themed pop songs...Headlined by three singers who have triumphed in reality-TV competitions...These performers can carry a tune, and in Ms. Glover’s case, quite a bit more...She is also the only performer on the August Wilson Theater stage whose singing and warmth fill the room...As safe as ‘Home for the Holidays’ plays it, there are still a few gasp-inducing moments.”
Full Review

“It doesn't take long for the lack of musical textures to make everything sound like background music. Tessero is billed as creative and musical director, so it can be assumed he's responsible for the staging, which usually consists of singers standing with hand-held microphones raised to their mouths, barely acknowledging each other's existence...Aiello reveals himself to be the most satisfying singer on stage. Why? Because he sings the melody and expresses the meaning of the lyric.”
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“First there is the hazy concept...This tacky pop-up Broadway concert, the yuletide equivalent of a Halloween costume store, features a comically motley cast...Then there is the hazy singing: breathy, baroquely melismatic ornamentations, as though the vocalists were skating on thin ice and afraid to stay on a single note for more than a quarter of a second. And then there are the hazy stories...There are moments of pleasure...Mostly, though, it’s a clumsy affair.”
Full Review

“Expertly recalling the sort of entertainment you'd experience on a cruise ship or in a low-rent Vegas casino, 'Home for the Holidays' is a Christmas show only Ebenezer Scrooge could love...The competent eight-piece band and back-up singers do a better job of connecting with the audience than the so-called headliners, who come across like they're performing in front of a mirror. Judging by the glazed response from the audience, they might as well be.”
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“They're singing 'Deck the Halls,' but in 'Home for the Holidays,' the artless new concert, it's not like Christmas at all...This 80-minute riff-fest doesn't transmit the feeling of Christmas; in fact, it just makes us feel sad...A strange concert that desperately tries to win over the audience, only succeeding intermittently...It's Aiello's performance that's ultimately the most enjoyable...He's the one shiny bauble in a show that could use a lot more of them."
Full Review

“I expected it might be kitschy, silly, or just plain bad but I didn’t expect quite the train wreck I witnessed...YouTube, reality TV, talent shows, and an actual honest to goodness star in Aiello? This show has it all. Obviously, no one involved is going to be touting this show on their CV anytime soon...I did observe some generous spirit on display...Here’s hoping all involved can turn this show into one rueful memory they can laugh about during better times to come.”
Full Review

“Although the singers are all gifted with powerful voices and agreeable stage presences, none displays the kind of unique charisma that sets true stars apart from so many others of their type. Jonathan Tessero, credited for 'creative and musical direction,' does them no favors with arrangements that turn the sweetest of holy songs into overly loud, overly orchestrated, can-you-top-this, power ballads…Songs that begin softly morph into ear-blasting numbers designed to display musical lung power.”
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“This seasonal pop-up concert on Broadway is one motley mix...A trio of TV reality show vocal contest winners shares top billing...There’s something missing — a star. There’s not one in the cast...Winning a contest doesn’t guarantee you radiate stage presence. Or that you can draw an audience to you...There are a couple saving graces, including the fine-tuned band...And a juicy ‘Joy to the Word’ ends things on the high note. In the end, the ‘Joy’ jolt is too little, too late.”
Full Review

“Slick, innocuous and short...Performed by an ensemble drawn from television singing competitions. Fans of that style of demonstrative vocalizing will be entertained. Anyone else would benefit from a large, Sippy cup of wine to ameliorate the monotonous bombast on display. Aiello’s periodic, brief appearances are most welcome...Depending on one’s sensibilities ‘Home for the Holidays’ could be pleasant, seasonal fare or bring on a headache.”
Full Review

“’Home for the Holidays’ would best be enjoyed by fans of TV's ‘American Idol,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘America's Got Talent’….While pretty much the only thing ‘Broadway’ about it is the venue, it does offer up a pleasant (if decidedly schlocky) way to kick off the holiday season…This is one of those ‘it is what it is’ events…It is an opportunity to hear these decidedly talented singers, each with a different performance style, backed by a snazzy nine-member onstage band.”
Full Review

“The Vegas-style revue of Christmas music...Hardly seems necessary...Whether you decide to spend your time and money on this essentially harmless, 90-minute show will depend mostly on your fondness for reality show stars...If all you want for Christmas is a truly polished 90-minute show, head over to Radio City Music Hall, but if glitz, glamour and a lot of tunes are your thing, you might consider the August Wilson a suitable home for a short visit.”
Full Review

"The show is relentlessly good-spirited. Nothing wrong about that, but it could use a little variety in tone...The problem is that most of it begins to sound alike, with driving, slick quasi-big band up-tempos dominating both the carols and the pop stuff. The vocal dexterity of the performers cannot be faulted...To sum up, 'Home for the Holidays' registers like several gulps of non-alcoholic eggnog. It will give you a taste of the season but hardly intoxicate you."
Full Review

“A hodgepodge of a production...I didn't care for the arrangements of some of the classic Christmas songs which leave the singers sounding out of sync...The nine-piece band is good, particularly the horn section...The standout in this production is Glover, who has a terrific voice and worshipful spirit...It is a treat any time we can hear the story of Christmas told on a Broadway stage and Glover's talent made it especially so. Our hopes for focused concert are disappointed, however.”
Full Review

“A pleasant evening or afternoon of Yuletide carols, but the overall feeling reminds one more of a glitzy school swing choir or a Christmas variety show on cable TV than a bona fide Broadway celebration of the holidays...The main reasons to see the show are Glover and Kaufman...The rest of the singers are entertaining but otherwise forgettable...Tessero’s creative and musical direction of these gifted young vocalists unfortunately never goes anywhere beyond the pop style of ‘American Idol.'”
Full Review

"Looks to become a new seasonal favorite...Weaving in and out of the dynamic performances are Bristowe and Aiello telling their own stories...A nice retreat encompassing a mix of classic Christmas songs, as well as some new ones, all of which are sung and performed beautifully by the entire cast. Here’s hoping that this show will find its niche among holiday entertainment offerings, and becomes one of the traditions we can look forward to seeing in the coming years."
Full Review

“Aside from some skilled musical arrangements of some traditional and radio holiday favorites, there is very little holding the production together...Despite possessing some strong pop voices, the singers seemed unsure, stiff, and even scared in live performance...Only the spectacularly-voiced Glover seemed to possess any semblance of star power...Mildly entertaining, at best...Clocking in at less than ninety minutes, ‘Home for the Holidays’ luckily does not outstay its welcome.”
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“An early Christmas present for fans of ‘American Idol’, ‘The Voice’…Lackluster production values and bizarre narration suggest this concert was put together in the cheapest and fastest way possible...It’s too bad, because the performers are talented...For those who aren't super fans of televised singing competitions, sitting through this concert might be like eating overdone ham smothered in cheese. Not good for you, but mildly enjoyable, in its own way.”
Full Review

"There is no shortage of impressive vocal stylings…There seemed to be a few distracting technical issues with the sound..There also doesn't seem to be an abundance of chemistry between the three headliners...I'm sure these can all be ironed out as the production gains momentum towards Christmas...Glover gives the most powerful and show-stealing vocals of the night...If you are a fan of Glover or just simply can't get enough of the Christmas spirit, then this is the one for you."
Full Review

See it if
I love Christmas music/shows but this is terrible and does not belong in a Broadway theater. Only see it if you love Candice Glover

Don't see it if
you have anything else to do. I'm not a reality show fan so the only singer I recognized was American Idol winner Candice Glover

Also
I have never given a show this low a score but terrible sums it up and the 24 points are all for Candice Glover's amazing voice. How Danny Aiello got involved in this is beyond me - and why he thinks this qualifies as his first Broadway musical is another mystery. JUST SAY NO! I saw this opening weekend and I'm really surprised it hasn't closed already... Read moreRead less

Indulgent, Disappointing, Slow, The real title of the show should be ego, because somebody has lot of balls to put together such a slipshod bdwy show, Only a few xmas carol classics are in the show, the uncredited songlist features "new" tunes for the holidays that have no hooks, no memorable choruses.

See it if
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS-$48-49K (last wk gross)--37% attendance--Avg. ticket price: $13.51. Now that's a lot of comps & No-shows! Word-Is-Out.

Don't see it if
Numbers r bad, reviews r bad, & anyone who's seen ANY other Xmas show is shakin their heads. 3 newbie singers cannot carry bad songs/intro's

Also
If inexperience is a cardinal sin, it shows on the faces of all the perfs. Only Candace Glover (A.Idol-S.12) & Josh Kaufman (TheVoice-S.6) have the vocal chops to hold their own ... Vocally. Neither one (nor anyone else except actor/perf Danny Aiello ) seemed to be comfortable in front of a LIVE NYC audience. Many sang ENTIRE songs w/ their eyes CLOSED? Like they were in a recording studio?? The songs were chopped up so actor Danny Aiello could tell these horrible Xmas-past monologues that destroyed the rhythm of the show. He sings during the latter stages & somewhat redeems himself by saying how excited he was to be in "1st Musical on Bdwy." Sorry, Danny, THIS is a concert, NOT a muscial. Hence, no BOOK, no Characters, NO director to shape it, and not a lick of sense from the producers. A married couple known for their a capella "group" work do a bit in the show, but as soloists w/ the band. Why not mix things up with some a cappella carols, nope? Why not LET the singers finish a song... Read moreRead less

See it if
you ever wondered what happened to the musical careers of the lesser known winners of American Idol.

Don't see it if
seeing an over-wrath uninteresting holiday show is not your cup of tea.

Also
I jumped at the chance to see this show when I saw the name Candice Glover attached to the project. I was a HUGE fan of her's during her season on the TV show American Idol. Candice's contribution to the show is AMAZING, however, the other portion of the show is made up of performers I was NOT familiar with and Danny Aiello. I felt like a bait and switch was pulled on me. I was drawn in with Candice Glover but got all this other disappointing stuff that came attached to her. Again, Candice took the opportunity at every turn to RISE ABOVE the lacking star quality of her co-stars as her BEAUTIFUL voice filled the theater that afternoon. Too bad her co-stars weren't as talented as she is. It would have made a much more interesting theatrical event than it turned out to be. My suggestion is SKIP this holiday show and go by Candice Glover's cd online and listen from the comfort of your own home, for the holidays.... Read moreRead less

Don't see it if
you like choreography with your concert (a dance between the Hollens' would help) or hate constantly being urged by performers to clap along

Also
WTF are Aiello & the Bachelorette doing here? Seriously? Ignore them & enjoy the music. It's easy to shoot holes in this concert, but the bottom line is that you know (almost) all the songs & will sometimes find yourself tapping along. The show doesn't always use its' performers to their best advantage (I know Kaufman can solo more effectively than he has the opportunity to do here). It's Christmas comfort food, enjoy it. Watch a clip at youtube.com/watch?v=RryNwynmG6k.... Read moreRead less

See it if
you're only reason is wanting to see reality TV singers live

Don't see it if
You're expecting more than "less than average."

Also
I see everything on Broadway. But by far, this has to be one of the times that I will not get that 90 minutes back in my life. All in all ... what happened to a singer who was well connected with their lyric? NO CONCEPT ...

I received from Josh exactly what I was expecting. It's a voice that has high notes like few others. But I don't like tapping feet to keep the beat. Candice? The girl can sing... but that's about all she offers the entire time. For some, that's enough ... not for my money. Bianca (who gets the final "star bow")? Really? The voice isn't nearly close to being as good as the other two, AND WHAT IS IT WITH THE LEFT ARM THING? was she doing a Hula dance? and on EVERY song? VERY distracting/annoying. Why was Danny Aiello there? His reminiscence of interjected Christmas patter didn't tie any of the songs together. The standouts were the husband/wife backup singers (he also composed the best song of the show). THEY were the only saving grace!... Read moreRead less

See it if
you have nothing else to do and want to hear some christmas music. Josh Kaufman and Candance Glover's voices are wonderful.

Don't see it if
if you are expecting a Broadway performance or think that Danny Aiello must be worth the price of admission.

Also
Josh Kaufman and Candace Glover do shine, but the rest just seems like a huge waste of money. The Back up singers were better than third girl and they were the only ones that look like they were having a good time.... Read moreRead less

Don't see it if
you're looking for a traditional bdwy show w/a plot. RELAX: it's a christmas concert, not rocket-science. Great for fans & families w/kids.

Also
There's good news and bad news...

BAD: they're STILL working out the kinks. Lighting's messy; performers miss spotlight marks & enter/exit cues. Singers still cheating off the on-stage prompters, while Danny Aiello's clearly using them to read his script line-by-line, especially when he's forced to sing. Yes, I know, he's 84.

Bianca, annoying as an 11yr old channeling Janis Joplin, is now an excruciating carbon-copy of Mariah Carey: same dog-whistle high-notes & the incessant fly-swatting-waving armpit-deodorant-drying distraction. Thankfully, Mariah's "All I Want for Christmas" was given to Josh. Disappointingly, my fave holiday song ("Grown-up Christmas List") was given to Bianca.

Kaitlyn... WHO? Girl, bye.

GOOD: it's only 80min. Accompanying band & background singers are all excellent. Candice alone is worth the price of admission. Josh is always cool, but still learning the unknown non-traditional songs, key-changes, etc. Many costume changes for 80min: a beauty-pageant fest!... Read moreRead less